A short history of the preceding events1998, 2001, 2003, 2007 and 2010.

The Ollon-Villars hill, with a length of 8 kilometres (5 miles), achieved legendary status during the period from 1953 until 1971. Set amongst the beautiful vineyards of the Chablais area and nestling between the Dents Du Midi and the Mont Blanc range the event offered a challenging hill, beautiful views and a welcoming atmosphere. It was for many years the highlight of the Swiss and European Hill Climb championships.

1998
The first International Retrospective Hill Climb was staged in 1998. Over the weekend of 19th and 20th September 1998 more than 12,000 enthusiastic spectators came to relive the thrills and atmosphere of the original events. In the original events vehicles left the start at 30 second intervals and this tradition was continued in the Retrospectives. Everyone was thrilled at the sights and sounds of powerful engines being demonstrated in the style for which they had been designed over such a challenging course.

2001
In 2001 the event celebrated the 30th anniversary of the last time the hill was used in anger. The organising team managed to attract an unprecedented 220 vehicles. Such a large collection of classic vehicles had never before been assembled in Switzerland. This was a joy to behold for any classic vehicle enthusiast.

2003
In 2003 a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the first event to have taken place over this classic course was made. For this event the number of vehicles rose again to 300 and there were more than 90 foreign entries, some from as far afield as the South of Italy and Scotland. The event was blessed with beautiful weather and many spectators again enjoyed a tremendous spectacle.

2007
The 4th International Retrospective ran in 2007, again using the legendary course. Over 270 vehicles were brought to face the classic challenge. There were more than 1000 climbs over the course of the weekend. Cars were classified into Formula 1, Formula 2 and Formula 3. There were also Prototypes, GT cars and we must not forget our friends with their motor cycles and three wheeled outfits. More than 80 vehicles came from other countries. England, Scotland, Italy, France, Germany, Austria and Greece were all represented.

2010
The 5th International Retrospective took place during September 2010. The event organisers were very pleased to welcome a number of internationally recognised drivers including the Torro Rosso Formula 1 driver Sebastien Buemi, Le Mans, GT1 and Formula 2 ace Natacha Gachnang, and also the 2010 Swiss Historic Rally Champions, Gerald Toedtli and Manu Guex, with their Ford Escort Mk1. Overall more than 300 vehicles came to face the sharp bends, the flowing fast stretches and the supreme challenge of the celebrated hill which gave pleasure to spectators and drivers alike.

For this event Public areas laid out in the best viewing areas and viewing was possible from both sides of the hill. The paddock was opened to the public and this all added to help to revive the spirit of the great “Ollons-Villars” events of the past.

And so to 2013...

On 14th and 15th September 2013 the 6th edition of the event will be run, under the auspices of the SMO, PO Box 6, at Ollon, and with the enthusiastic collaboration of the Tourist Office at Villars.

The villages of Ollon and Villars are ready to welcome everyone to the 2013 event. This is assured to be a spectacular event, held over the same historic, challenging and legendary course. A hill which, in the past, has played such a significant role in not only the history of Swiss Motor Sport but also the prestigious European Hill Climb championship, will once again echo to the sounds, smells and sights of machinery being exercised as originally intended.